MANILA, Philippines — Agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) 242 foreign nationals suspected of trying to enter the Philippines to work illegally.
The interception followed the relief of all BI heads at their NAIA posts by Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente in the wake of the alleged “pastillas” scheme or the illegal escort service given to Chinese nationals who want to work at Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos).
Of those denied entries to the Philippines, 79 arrived at NAIA Terminal 1. Agents intercepted 33 at Terminal 2, and 130 at Terminal 3. The interceptions were made from February 21 to February 28.
“Some were Cambodians, Vietnamese, Indonesians, Myanmars, Malaysians, and Chinese,” Morente said in a statement.
Meanwhile, BI intelligence chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the bureau noticed an attempt by foreign nationals to utilize other ports of entry so they can illegally work in the country.
“We see this as a cause for concern. Our frontliners will heighten our efforts in screening these aliens,” he said.
“We are in close coordination with our foreign counterparts in ensuring that no aliens with bad records enter the country. But if they are already in the country before we receive information about their crimes, we will immediately send them out,” added Manahan.
Morente also assured an expansion of the investigation on the alleged “pastillas” scheme, following revelations from whistleblower and immigration officer Allison Chiong that the modus has continued to operate.
The revamp ordered by Morente because of the controversy has affected around 800 BI personnel posted at the NAIA.
“We have likewise placed the Travel Control and Enforcement Unit and the Border Control and Investigation Unit under the control and supervision of the Intelligence Division to serve as an external check and balance to monitor airport operations,” Morente added.
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